The San Marino Motor Classic, held annually in San Marino, California,
is a prestigious classic car show that celebrates automotive heritage
while supporting charitable causes. Founded in 2010, this event has
quickly become a highlight of the Southern California automotive
calendar. It showcases a stunning array of vintage and rare automobiles,
ranging from classic European sports cars to American classics and
exotics. Beyond its spectacular display of automotive elegance, the San
Marino Motor Classic is known for its philanthropic mission, with
proceeds benefiting local charities and organizations. Over the years,
it has grown in both size and reputation, attracting car enthusiasts and
collectors from across the region. With its commitment to preserving
automotive history and giving back to the community, the San Marino
Motor Classic continues to thrive as a significant cultural event in the
world of classic cars.
The San Marino Motor Classic was established in 2011 by co-founders Aaron Weiss, Ben Reiling and Paul Colony held in Lacy Park, an exclusive 30-acre park in San Marino. It is the successor of the Los Angeles Concours d’Elegance. In its inaugural year, the exhibition was a hybrid of a Classic Car Club of America Grand Classic and a contemporary Concours d’Elegance. More than 220 Brass Era, Depression Era and Post-War luxury and sports cars were showcased attracting more than 3,000 spectators. The 2011 event raised more than $120,000 for its beneficiary charities, the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA and the Rotary Club of San Marino. Entrants compete in 30 classes including Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, Porsche, Corvettes and Mercedes-Benz, to name a few. Judging takes place at the end of the day in which seven awards are given, plus first, second and third place awards given per class. Some of the prestigious awards for 2012 include Best In Show, Most Elegant – Closed Car, Most Elegant – Open Car, Mayor’s Trophy – Most Significant Race Car. Art Center College of Design – “Design in Excellence Award”, Rotary Trophy – Best Woody and Meguiar’s Trophy – Best Paint and Finish. This year, the San Marino Motor Classic expects to have more than 400 mint condition collector cars and even more spectators than last year. Entrants and spectators are welcome to experience various events preceding and following the dazzling event, including a gala. Proceeds will benefit the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA, the Rotary Club of San Marino, and Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley. The San Marino Motor Classic is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Deductions may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your deductibility.
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Tom and the team from Classic Showcase were on hand for the Concours, showing and campaigning the SS100
on the lovely grounds at San Marino. The example achieved a 2nd place showing in the C-3 CCCA – European Open & Closed class,
only behind a 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II from the Lehrman Collection.
Best In Show: 1947 Talbot-Lago 126 Record Cabriolet
Mayor’s Award: 1920 Bugatti Type 13
San Marino Rotary Club Award: 1910 Pope Hartford Model T
Hagerty Preservation Award: 1919 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Tourer 106FW
Most Elegant Pre War Car
– Open: 1933 Packard 1006 12 Sport Phaeton by Dietrich
CCCA Paul Cert Award: 1940 Buick Roadmaster Series 81C
Most Elegant Post War Car – Open: 1956 Porsche 356 Speedster
Art Center Award: 1976 Lamborghini Countach
Most Elegant Post War Car – Closed: 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing
Chuck Rogers Memorial Award – Most Elegant Mercedes-Benz:
1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 Landaulet
Most Exotic Sports Car: 1967 Bizzarrini Strada 5300
Pasadena Humane Society Award: 1953 Aston Martin DB2
David Martin
People’s Choice: 1962 Morgan Plus 4
Most Creative Adaptation: 1915 La Beastoni Boat Tail Speedster
Meguiar’s Best Paint and Finish Award 1974 BMW 3.0 CSL
Chairman’s Award: 1968 Porsche 911L
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